India becoming expensive: South African tour operator

Kolkata, Feb 14 (IANS) India is a must-see tourist destination for South Africans but they also find it expensive, a leading South African tour operator said Thursday.

"Due to economic growth, India has become comparatively expensive to other places. That needs to be looked into," said Jaiprakash Bhula of Harvey World Travel from Fordsburg, South Africa.

He said Thailand remained the top draw for South Africans but India was becoming a must-see option too.

Bhula was here to take part in 'Destination East' -- a tour operators' meet organised by the West Bengal tourism department and Confederation of Indian Industry to promote tourism in eastern and north-eastern India.

Nineteen countries participated in the event.

"South Africans are keen to explore Indian culture. But there is a need to provide better basic amenities such as clean toilets," he said.

"The most popular destination for those who visit India for the first time are the golden triangle of Delhi-Jaipur-Agra but second and third-timers want to explore other parts," he said.